Move over, Tom Hardy: Hull’s young storytellers set to rival CBeebies Bedtime Stories

Hull school pupils now have the opportunity to star in their own read-aloud films as Hull Schools’ Library Service launch a new project – Hull’s Young Storytellers: Lights, Camera, Read!

Hull’s Young Storytellers aims to boost literacy and creativity by combining storytelling with film-making. Year five pupils from six schools across the city will produce their own read-aloud films, reminiscent of the popular CBeebies Bedtime Stories featuring children’s favourite Tom Hardy.

This groundbreaking project, supported by the James Reckitt Library Trust, is the brainchild of Hannah Levy, founder of popular YouTube channel Storytime with Hannah and Patrick. Hannah, a local actor and storyteller whose read-aloud videos gain over 90,000 views per episode, approached Hull Schools’ Library Service with the innovative idea.

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Hannah said: “As someone who struggled with reading in school, I found my confidence through drama and performance. I want to pass these skills on to children in my home town of Hull.”

Hannah will be joined at the schools sessions by her teddy, Patrick Jr, a stuffed toy version of her sausage dog, who stars in her YouTube videos. Alongside Hannah, the project brings together a team of local talent including Alison Shaw, local actor and founder of Young Playwrights; Michael Kinsey, local actor and founder of Screen Acting East Yorkshire (SAEY); and Katie Harriman, founder of Fly Girl Films, an all-female film production company in Hull, who will lead on the digital filmmaking skills and final edit of the series.

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Andersen Press, a renowned children’s book publisher, has also joined as the project’s publishing partner, providing access to high-quality children’s literature and special messages from the chosen picture-books’ authors and illustrators. Amy Jeffrey, learning and engagement development mnager at Hull Schools’ Library Service, said: “This project exemplifies the power of arts in education.

“By integrating drama, storytelling and digital media – not to mention a lovable sausage dog character – we’re not just improving literacy; we’re nurturing creativity, building confidence and developing crucial life skills. Hull’s Young Storytellers represents a significant investment in the creative and literacy skills of Hull’s children, promising to leave a lasting impact on participants and the wider community.”

Councillor Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture and leisure, said: “The importance of arts in education cannot be overstated. This project offers a fantastic opportunity to our young people to learn a whole host of new skills and I sincerely look forward to seeing the results of their hard work next year.”

The project will culminate in a red-carpet event in April 2025 at Bransholme Library, with a special screening of the films at the Big Malarkey 2025 event, to which all participating children, and their families, will be invited. Find out more about the project on the Hull Schools Library Service social media channels.